First thing here’s some background. In 2009 my wife and I read through the Bible using a daily plan provided by our Pastor. It was exciting and fulfilling and positively affected our everyday lives. In 2010 we wanted to do a more in depth reading of the Bible and decided to read through the Bible in a chronological fashion. So for Christmas 2009 we each received a copy of the Thomas Nelson, New King James version of the “The Chronological Study Bible” copyright 2008. This version of the Bible attempts to put the scriptures in order in accordance with when things actually happened historically. Some scriptures don’t specifically relate to a historical date. This rendering also contains special commentaries that put the scriptures into context with what was going on in the pagan world at that same time. As a result, it takes considerable more time to read through the scriptures, but it is well worth it and I heartily recommend this approach to reading God’s word. There is a one year and two year reading plan in the back of the Bible.

Now let’s move on to the topic at hand. From a historical standpoint, David had become king of Israel and had determined that the Ark of the Covenant should be moved to Jerusalem, which was now known as the “city of David.” This was the right thing to do. However, David’s first attempt to move the Ark to Jerusalem was aborted because of the death of Uzza when he inadvertently put his hand “hold of the Ark” so it wouldn’t fall when an Ox that was pulling the cart containing the Ark stumbled. David was angry at God for this but God had specifically warned that no one should touch the Ark for any reason and that death would be certain to those who did. David then spent some three months preparing to again move the Ark to its new home. However, this time he consulted with the Lord and prepared a tent to house the Ark and heeded God’s full instruction on “who, how and where” the Ark should be moved. Per God’s instruction David placed selected Levites in charge of the move as well as the ongoing care of the Ark. These events are recorded in I Chronicles 13 through 16. The second attempt to move the Ark was successful and Israel celebrated. I Chronicles 15:13 specifically records the reason why the first move was such a failure as David related we failed “because we did not consult Him (the God of Israel) about the proper order.” David was attempting to do the right thing, but in the wrong way.

I wonder how many things go wrong in Christian’s lives because “we did not consult Him about the proper order.” This not only goes for Christians, but churches, governments, Christian universities, etc. Perhaps this also builds up my contention that there are two main principles given in the Bible that Christians must follow to please Him: 1) Do what is right! (i.e., in accordance with God’s Word); and 2) Do what you say! These are intertwined and interconnected. Consulting God about the “proper order” is a prerequisite for doing what is right.

Oh God, I pray that I will constantly be reminded that you have a “proper order” for all things. Selah.